Macclesfield defender Hamza Bencherif believes they can be surprise contenders for promotion next season.
Algerian ace believes Silkmen can mount promotion push
Macclesfield Town defender Hamza Bencherif believes they can be a surprise package next season and sit among the promotion hopefuls.
League Two is renowned for its unpredictability, with Dagenham & Redbridge gaining promotion via the play-offs this season having been a non-league outfit just three years ago.
Bencherif insists confidence around the Moss Rose camp is high heading into next season after a strong end to the 2009/10 campaign and he is confident the Silkmen can be among the frontrunners next term.
"I believe this season could be a big one for us," the Algerian told
skysports.com.
"We have managed to keep the main core of the squad together and there is a lot of quality in the squad. I'm sure the manager (Gary Simpson) will add to what we have got as well, so confidence is high.
"There is always a few shocks in terms of sides getting into the play-offs, like Morecambe and Dagenham & Redbridge this season, and I really think that we could be one of those teams.
"We have got a young squad, but they also have quite a bit of experience, having played big roles last season, and we have got a great team spirit as well, so I'm looking forward to next season."
Loyalty
Bencherif was strongly linked with a move last year, after being tipped to make this summer's World Cup with Algeria, but a horror injury in December ended his season prematurely.
He has subsequently signed a one-year contract extension and hopes he can repay the loyalty and commitment shown him by the club since he was sidelined.
"The club showed their commitment to me by offering me a two-year contract and although I only signed for one year it was good to give something back to the club which has stood by me whilst I've been on the sidelines," he added.
"I hope that I can do really well for the club next season and help them push up the table."
